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Sapelli
Specification Details
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Entandrophragma cylindricum |
| Common Name | Sapelli |
| Hardness (Janka) | 1,510 lbf |
| Color | Pinkish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood; lighter sapwood |
| Grain | Interlocked |
| Texture | Fine to medium |
| Natural Luster | Medium to high |
| Durability | Moderately durable |
| Typical Uses | Furniture, joinery, veneers, flooring |
Workability
Sapelli is moderately easy to work but its interlocked grain can cause tearout, particularly when planing. Sharp tools and reduced cutting angles are recommended. It glues and finishes very well and polishes to an attractive surface. Pre-drilling is advised for screws and nails. Dust may cause irritation, so PPE is recommended.
Common Uses
Furniture, interior joinery, cabinetry, decorative veneers, doors, flooring, and musical instruments.
What Makes Sapelli Unique
Sapelli is often compared to mahogany due to its rich color, fine texture, and lustrous finish. It frequently displays attractive ribbon or stripe figure, making it a popular choice for high-quality furniture and architectural veneers.
Why Choose Sapelli
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Elegant Appearance: Rich tones with attractive ribbon figure
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Excellent Finishing Qualities: Polishes to a smooth, lustrous surface
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Good Strength: Suitable for furniture and joinery
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Versatile: Ideal for both solid wood and veneer applications
Why You Might Not Choose Sapelli
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Interlocked Grain: Can cause tearout during machining
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Moderate Durability: Not ideal for long-term exterior use
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Tool Wear: Harder than true mahogany
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Health Sensitivity: Dust may cause irritation
Climate Performance & Acclimation
Sapelli performs best in controlled interior environments. Proper acclimation before installation helps reduce movement and ensures long-term stability.
Ideal for Interior Architectural Projects
Its combination of beauty and workability makes Sapelli ideal for furniture, cabinetry, doors, veneers, and decorative interior joinery.
Color and Grain Stability
Sapelli’s reddish-brown color deepens with age, developing a rich patina. Clear finishes enhance figure and protect the surface.
Popular Applications
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Furniture and cabinetry
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Decorative veneers and paneling
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Interior doors and frames
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Hardwood flooring
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Musical instruments
Current Design Trends Featuring Sapelli
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Contemporary and classic interiors
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Ribbon-figured wall panels
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High-end furniture and cabinetry
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Warm-toned architectural details
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